NCJ Number
141203
Journal
Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare Volume: 19 Issue: 4 Dated: special issue (December 1992) Pages: 21-40
Date Published
1992
Length
20 pages
Annotation
Using qualitative research methods to gather longitudinal, retrospective data on a cohort of 100 politically-active homeless persons in Portland (Oregon), this ethnographic study challenges the traditional view of homeless persons as being disaffiliated and disempowered.
Abstract
The subjects involved in this study participated in a political protest, organized by the Coalition for the Dignity of the Homeless and the Poor, which began with a sleep-in on the steps of the Portland City Hall and culminated in the establishment of a "tent city" in a nearby park. The 1987 protest was staged when the city closed two homeless shelters and ended when municipal authorities agreed to reopen a year- round shelter, waive certain categorical requirements for emergency shelter, and liberalize aspects of the general assistance welfare program. Interviews were conducted with the cohort subjects 3 years after the protest. At that time, only three of the sample subjects were still living in the municipal homeless shelter and most had secured more stable sources of social assistance, though few had found regular employment. This study showed that the collective social action in which these subjects participated fostered the development and maintenance of social ties and created a context for political empowerment, while facilitating positive identity construction. 7 tables, 4 notes, and 30 references